USB Network Gate is a software solution that enables users to share USB devices, such as printers, scanners, or external drives, over a network. This tool allows USB devices that are physically connected to one computer to be accessed remotely by other computers on the same network or even over the internet.
Here's a breakdown of what USB Network Gate does and how it works:
1. USB Device Sharing Over the Network
- USB Network Gate allows you to share USB devices (like printers, webcams, USB storage devices, etc.) with other computers over a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), or even through the internet.
- The software works by redirecting the USB device from one computer to another, allowing the remote machine to access it as if it were locally connected.
2. How It Works
- Host Computer: The computer to which the USB device is physically connected acts as the host. The USB device is made available for sharing by the host computer.
- Client Computer: Other computers (clients) on the same network can access the shared USB device as if it were directly connected to them. For instance, if you have a USB printer connected to one computer, other computers can use that printer remotely.
3. Main Features of USB Network Gate
- Remote USB Device Access: It enables you to remotely access USB printers, scanners, USB drives, and other peripherals connected to a different computer.
- Supports Various USB Devices: It works with a wide range of USB devices, including printers, storage devices, dongles, webcams, and more.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: USB Network Gate supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it possible to share USB devices across different operating systems.
- USB over IP: The software uses an IP-based connection to share USB devices, so it works across local networks or over the internet.
- Secure Connections: The software allows encrypted connections for secure access to shared devices.
- USB Device Redirection: The USB devices are redirected to the client computers, allowing the device to be used as if it were physically attached to the client.
4. Use Cases for USB Network Gate
- Printer Sharing: Share USB-connected printers across a network without needing a dedicated network printer.
- Remote Access to USB Storage: Access USB flash drives, external hard drives, and other storage devices connected to remote systems.
- USB Security Tokens and Dongles: Users can access USB dongles required for certain software or security tokens, even when they’re not physically connected to their machine.
- Sharing Specialized Equipment: USB-connected specialized equipment, like medical devices, test instruments, and others, can be shared across a network for remote use.
5. How to Set Up USB Network Gate
- Install the Software: Install USB Network Gate on both the host computer (the one with the USB device attached) and the client computers that will access the shared device.
- Share the Device: On the host, open USB Network Gate, select the USB device you want to share, and click on "Share."
- Connect to the Shared Device: On the client, open USB Network Gate, find the shared device in the list, and connect to it. The device will appear as if it were locally attached to the client machine.
6. Limitations and Considerations
- Network Latency: The performance of USB devices over the network depends on the quality of the network connection. Devices requiring high bandwidth (e.g., cameras) may experience some delay or performance degradation over slower connections.
- Paid Software: USB Network Gate is not a free tool; it comes with a paid license. However, it often offers trial versions that let you test its functionality before purchasing.
7. Supported Platforms
- Windows: Windows 10, 8, 7, and earlier versions.
- macOS: Compatible with macOS devices.
- Linux: Available for various Linux distributions.
- Other Devices: Can be used with virtual machines or remote desktop setups to share USB devices across different environments.
Conclusion
USB Network Gate is a powerful tool for sharing USB devices across networks, especially for businesses or individuals who need to make local USB-connected devices accessible remotely. This can be particularly useful for sharing USB printers, scanners, storage devices, and more across multiple machines or locations without the need for specialized network hardware or additional configuration.
Printer Share
PrinterShare is a software solution that allows users to share printers across a network, enabling remote printing from other computers or devices. It works by enabling a printer connected to one computer to be accessed and used by others, even if they are not physically connected to the printer. PrinterShare supports a wide range of printers, both local (USB) and network printers, and is available for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, and mobile devices.
Key Features of PrinterShare:
Remote Printer Sharing:
- Local Printer Sharing: PrinterShare allows you to share a printer that is connected to a local computer (via USB or other connections) with other computers or devices over the same network.
- Remote Printing: It also enables printing to a printer connected to another device over the internet. This can be useful for printing documents remotely from a home or office to a printer located at another location.
Cross-Platform Support:
- Windows: PrinterShare is fully compatible with Windows operating systems, from Windows 7 up to Windows 11.
- macOS: It also works on macOS devices, so users can share printers between different operating systems.
- Mobile Devices: PrinterShare offers apps for both Android and iOS, allowing users to print from their smartphones or tablets to shared printers.
Print Documents from Any Application:
- PrinterShare enables users to print from almost any application that supports printing. This includes printing documents, images, emails, and other types of files directly to shared printers.
No Additional Printer Drivers:
- Unlike some other printer-sharing solutions, PrinterShare does not require additional printer drivers to be installed on the client machine. As long as the printer is shared properly, the client machine can print to it without the need for extra configuration.
Easy Setup:
- Setting up PrinterShare is relatively straightforward. On the host machine, you need to install PrinterShare and enable the printer sharing option. On the client machine, you also install PrinterShare and connect to the shared printer. The software simplifies the process of connecting to remote printers.
Printer Sharing Over the Internet:
- PrinterShare allows users to print to remote printers over the internet. This means that users can send print jobs to printers on different networks, allowing printing at home or at another office location from anywhere in the world.
- To print over the internet, both the sender and recipient must have PrinterShare installed, and the printer must be shared using the service.
Supports Wide Range of Printers:
- PrinterShare supports most major printer brands and models. Whether you are using a USB-connected printer, a network printer, or a wireless printer, PrinterShare typically works with these devices without issue.
Encryption for Secure Printing:
- PrinterShare supports encrypted connections for secure remote printing, ensuring that the print jobs are sent safely across networks and the internet.
Types of PrinterShare Plans:
Free Version:
- PrinterShare offers a free version that allows local printing (on the same network) without additional features like remote printing or advanced configuration options.
- In the free version, users can only print in "Basic Mode" (for personal use), and remote printing features are limited.
Paid Version:
- PrinterShare Premium: The paid version adds more features, including remote printing over the internet and the ability to print from mobile devices.
- It also provides more advanced options for configuring shared printers and offers technical support.
- Users pay for a one-time license or can purchase a subscription for continuous updates and premium features.
Mobile Apps:
- PrinterShare provides mobile apps for Android and iOS, allowing you to print from smartphones and tablets. The app works similarly to the desktop version by allowing you to access printers shared on the same network or over the internet.
- The mobile app supports printing from a variety of applications, including emails, web pages, and other documents.
How PrinterShare Works:
On the Host Computer:
- The computer with the printer connected must install the PrinterShare software and enable sharing.
- Once installed, the user selects which printer(s) they wish to share and grants access to others on the network or remotely (via the internet).
On the Client Computer:
- The client machine installs PrinterShare and connects to the shared printer.
- Once the client machine connects, it can send print jobs to the shared printer as if it were locally connected.
Remote Printing:
- To enable remote printing, the user needs to create a PrinterShare account. The printer can be accessed remotely by other users who also have PrinterShare installed and are authorized to access the printer.
- Printer jobs can be sent over the internet by logging into the PrinterShare account, which facilitates secure printing from a distance.
Pros of Using PrinterShare:
- Cross-platform support: Works with multiple operating systems (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS).
- Ease of use: Simple to install and configure, with no need for advanced technical knowledge.
- Remote printing: Print to any printer connected to a remote machine over the internet.
- Wide compatibility: Supports a broad range of printers from different manufacturers.
- Mobile app: Print from smartphones and tablets to any shared printer.
Cons of Using PrinterShare:
- Limited features in the free version: The free version of PrinterShare is restricted to local printing and lacks some advanced features like remote printing and mobile printing.
- Requires installation on both ends: Both the host and the client need to have PrinterShare installed, which could be cumbersome in environments with many devices.
- Internet dependency for remote printing: Remote printing relies on internet access and the PrinterShare cloud service, so it may not be ideal for environments with unreliable internet connections.
Conclusion:
PrinterShare is a versatile and easy-to-use solution for sharing printers across networks, both locally and remotely. It offers a simple way to print from any device, including smartphones, to a shared printer over the network or internet. The paid version expands its capabilities to remote printing, making it useful for personal and business use, though the free version still provides basic functionality for local network printing.
